IAMAI condemns frequent internet shutdowns

According to the association, Internet clamp downs have become a regular feature of executive diktat and as per records, there have been 73 instances of internet blockage between 2012 and 2017, with 32 in J&K alone.Surabhi Agarwal | ET Bureau | April 29, 2017, 10:01 IST

NEW DELHI: Saying that Internet clampdowns dont solve the problem it sets out to solve, but in turn creates other societal problems, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has strongly opposed the clamp down on social media and instant messaging apps imposed by the Jammu & Kashmir government.

According to the association, Internet clamp downs have become a regular feature of executive diktat and as per records, there have been 73 instances of internet blockage between 2012 and 2017, with 32 in Jammu and Kashmir alone. In the past there have been clampdowns during unrest in places such as Gujarat, Manipur and Haryana among others. It also cites that India lost over $968 million between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016 due to internet shutdowns alone. In total, the world lost around $2.4 billion due to internet shutdowns by various governments.

"Shutting down channels of communication during law and order crises only heightens the state of paranoia amongst the citizens. Elements engaging in nefarious activities continue to access other channels of communication, irrespective of the shutdown, and the focus of the law enforcing agencies should be to engage with these modes of communication, rather than to order a blanket ban," it said in a statement.

Medium of communication via internet can be used by law enforcing agencies to communicate their messages more effectively during crisis. There are numerous instances of internet communication proving to be effective in disaster management, both in India and abroad, it added.

In the recent weeks tension has increased in the valley after a video surfaced of a local person being allegedly harrased by the police.

According to IAMAI, internet shutdown is not justified under any situation. "Denying people internet access affects their right to freedom of expression, access to basic amenities like medical assistance, and information in emergency situations," the statement added.

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